Historical pub is saved from demolition as housing plan approved

An East Ardsley pub threatened with demolition to make way for a housing development has been saved after planning chiefs stepped in.

Controversial plans were in place to demolish the Railway pub on Moor Knoll Lane to make way for 12 houses, but after being considered by the South and West Plans Panel key issues were raised, which included the loss of the existing public house building.

Coun Robert Finnigan, who sits on the plans panel, said: “It was felt by the panel that the pub is an attractive and historical building that is worth retaining.

“There are other buildings that have been converted like this so we didn’t see why it couldn’t be done.

“The pub is a landmark in the area and has been part of it for more than a century.”

Concerns raised also included increased traffic, pollution levels, drainage and a shortage of school and doctor places in the area.

However, a report said the layout and size of the proposed development was acceptable and it would not affect traffic or road safety.

Numerous discussions between the planning officers and the applicant, Burkhard Homes, which is based in Boston, USA, resulted in amended plans being submitted, retaining the existing building, converting it to four two bedroom flats.

A further development of 10 houses will also be built on the site along with a communal amenity space to the back and 21 parking spaces accessed from Moor Knoll Lane.

A report from the Plans Panel says: “On the whole, the building has been changed with the minimal amount of alterations in an attempt to retain as much of the feel of the existing building as much as has been possible.”

It adds: “It is now considered that, subject to conditions, the proposal is acceptable on a site situated in a sustainable location.”

The report says that there are no further issues of “detrimental harm” to visual or residential amenity and no issues of harm to highways safety.